Convertible athletic running pants

ABSTRACT

Convertible athletic running/cycling pants facilitate a rapid change from full-length pants to shorts in response to temperature changes encountered during an activity. Garments according to the invention feature an upper portion with a waistband and two full-length leg portions, each leg portion having a lower section terminating in an open end. Each leg portion includes a circumferential line of detachment located generally above a wearer&#39;s knee, enabling the lower sections to be removed and the upper section retained to be worn as a pair of shorts. Each lower leg portion further includes a line of separation extending between the circumferential line of detachment and the open end, enabling the lower portions to be removed from the upper portion, thereby converting the garment into shorts. In the preferred embodiments, the line of separation on each lower portion is a zipper or other fastener that operates from top to bottom, enabling a rapid conversion without bunching of the material making up each lower portion. In one configuration, the lines of separation are located on the outer sides of the lower portions, enabling the user to reach down on each side and remove the lower portions even while engaged in an athletic activity. In an alternative configuration, the lines of separation are located on the inner sides of the lower portions, with a second line of separation being provided on the outer sides. This second line of separation terminates before reaching the circumferential line of detachment, enabling the pants with the lower sections attached to be donned and removed over one&#39;s shoes. The embodiments just discussed may be provided on running pants, which are generally loose-fitting, or cycling pants, which are generally tight-fitting.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to athletic pants and, in particular,to convertible athletic running/cycling pants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While convertible trousers do exist, they are not optimized for runningand cycling activities. U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,613 discloses trousershaving a flexible upper part with two lower portions intending forcovering the upper leg of the wearer. The trousers also include a pairof flexible lower parts each intended for encompassing a lower leg ofthe user. The pair of lower parts is detachably connected to the upperportion lower parts by the use of a pair of strips of pile fasteningmaterial connected to the inner surface of the lower portions of theflexible upper part, and a pair of hook fastening material stripsconnected to the outer surface of the pair of flexible lower parts. Novertical lines of separation are provided, however.

There are many situations where an individual needs full pant coverageat the beginning of an extended exercise session, but desires a changeinto shorts to allow for proper cooling as body temperature increases.These situations intensify with changing temperatures and environmentalconditions. During such times, many active individuals participate incompetitive events and/or activities which require fuller coverage towarm up before deciding to change into shorts. A system that effectivelyaccommodates this need and expedites this transition would be highlywelcome by the athletic community.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to convertible athletic running/cycling pantsthat facilitate a rapid change from full-length pants to shorts inresponse to temperature changes encountered during an activity. Garmentsaccording to the invention feature an upper portion with a waistband andtwo full-length leg portions, each leg portion having a lower sectionterminating in an open end. Each leg portion includes a circumferentialline of detachment located generally above a wearer's knee, enabling thelower sections to be removed and the upper section retained to be wornas a pair of shorts.

Each lower leg portion further includes a line of separation extendingbetween the circumferential line of detachment and the open end,enabling the lower portions to be removed from the upper portion,thereby converting the garment into shorts. In the preferredembodiments, the line of separation on each lower portion is a zipper orother fastener that operates from top to bottom, enabling a rapidconversion without bunching of the material making up each lowerportion.

In one configuration, the lines of separation are located on the outersides of the lower portions, enabling the user to reach down on eachside and remove the lower portions even while engaged in an athleticactivity. In an alternative configuration, the lines of separation arelocated on the inner sides of the lower portions, with a second line ofseparation being provided on the outer sides. This second line ofseparation terminates before reaching the circumferential line ofdetachment, enabling the pants with the lower sections attached to bedonned and removed over one's shoes.

The embodiments just discussed may be provided on running pants, whichare generally loose-fitting, or cycling pants, which are generallytight-fitting. The latter configurations further include a reinforcedseat and optional elastic leg bands at or near the circumferential lineof detachment to prevent the material from riding up, particularly whenconverted to shorts. One or more rear pockets provide a convenient placefor the lower portions of the pants to be stored after removal, thuseliminating a need to leave behind any unneeded garments. Flaps ofmaterial are preferably provided on the outside and inside over thelines of separation, thereby keeping out moisture and acting as aprotective barrier between the pants and individual especially whenzippers are used for separation purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of FIG. 1A showing areas of separation;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of FIG. 1A showing areas of separation;

FIG. 3 shows the pants of FIG. 2 converted into shorts with lower legportions removed;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the back side of the embodiment ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the back side with the lower legportions stored in respective rear pockets;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention intendedfor cycling;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of FIG. 6A showing areas of separation;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theinvention suited to cycling;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of FIG. 1A showing areas of separation;and

FIG. 8 is drawing that shows protective cover flaps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to athletic pants that can be easilyconverted into shorts during sporting events or exercise sessions. FIG.1A is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention,and FIG. 1B shows areas of separation. The pants, depicted generally at2, include an upper portion 4 with an upper waistband 6 and two lowerleg portions 8, 10 terminating in open ends 30, 32. Each lower legportion 8, 10 is separable from the upper portion 4 at respectivecircumferential lines of detachment 12, 14.

Each lower leg portion 8, 10 further includes lines of separationextending upwardly from a respective one of the open ends 30, 32. Theselines of separation, only one of which (24) is visible in FIG. 1,terminate at the circumferential line of detachment, enabling the lowerportions to be removed from the upper portion as separate generallyrectangular panels of material. The circumferential lines of detachmentare positioned at or above the knees of a wearer, preferably on theorder of 3-8 inches above the knees. The lines of separation arepreferably aligned on or near the outer seams, shown at 20 with respectto the upper portion 4. An inseam is shown at 22.

The various lines of detachment and separation may be implemented usingany appropriate mechanism, including zippers, snaps, or hook & loopfasteners, either continuous or intermittent. In the preferredembodiment, the circumferential lines of detachment use snaps orzippers; whereas the vertical lines of separation are implemented withzippers. When zippers are used for removal purposes, they may operatefrom bottom-to-top or top-down. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a bottom-upoperation allows the outer sides to be opened partially, for overover-shoe donning or removal. More preferably, however, operation occursfrom top-to-bottom, allowing the user to pull zipper tab 26 away fromthe top portion 4 without the material bunching or resistance that mightoccur through pulling up. In all embodiments, all zipper or snapportions preferably incorporate an inner 402 and outer 404 flap ofmaterial covering to prevent any chaffing or discomfort from pull tab400 of other components during activity.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theinvention, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of FIG. 2A showing areas ofdetachment and separation. The pants, depicted generally at 102, includean upper portion 104 with an upper waistband 106 and two lower legportions 108, 110 terminating in open ends 130, 132. Each lower legportion 108, 110 is separable from the upper portion 104 at respectivecircumferential lines of detachment 112, 114. Each lower leg portion108, 110 in this case includes first and second lines of separationextending upwardly from a respective one of the open ends 130, 132.

Each first line of separation, located at or near each inseam, extendsto a respective one of the circumferential lines of detachment, enablingthe lower portions to be removed from the upper portion as separatepanels of material, as shown in the lower portion of FIG. 3, One suchline of detachment is depicted at 118 (FIG. 2B), below inseam 122. Whilethis line of separation may operate from bottom to top, it is preferablyundone from top-to-bottom to minimize bunching and expedite removal.Second lines of separation, 116, 117, extend for 6-8 inches, more orless, and terminate before reaching a respective one of thecircumferential lines of detachment. These second lines of detachment,located at or near the outer seams such as 120, enable the pants withthe lower sections attached to be donned and removed over one's shoespast open edges 124.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the back side of the embodiment ofFIG. 2. Two rear pockets 108, 110, located below the waistband 106 actas storage compartments for the detached lower leg portions. FIG. 5 is aperspective view of the back side with the lower leg portions stored inrespective rear pockets. This feature enables the athlete to continueactivity conveniently and reattach the lower pants as desired while notrequiring any additional equipment to store clothing such as an externalstorage back, thereby not increasing an individual's weight which mayhinder performance. The rear pockets could be made of a mesh materialbut ideally would incorporate a waterproof lining in order to eliminatemoisture accumulation during activity. In the preferred embodiment thetop edge of the pocket would be 0-1 inch below the elastic waistband.The pockets should be approx. 6-8 inches in horizontal length below theelastic waistband and 5-8 inches in vertical depth. Although FIGS. 4 and5 apply directly to FIG. 2, the same pocket configurations would beprovided on the other embodiments despite the different detachment andseparation configurations.

For running, jogging and other such activities, the pant material can becomprised of nylon, polyester, cotton, Lycra® or a combination thereof.The pants may also be lined with a mesh, cotton, waterproof ormoisture-wicking material to enhance comfort and prevent chaffing. Themesh lining would be optional, depending on the season and/or weatherconditions, or the need for increased comfort, warmth or to remain dry.

In the alternative embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the athleticpants may be geared toward cycling. These garments are typicallytighter-fitting and are composed of Lycra® or other elastic materials.FIG. 6A is a perspective view of one such embodiment, and FIG. 6B is aperspective view showing areas of separation. The pants, depictedgenerally at 200, include an upper portion 204 with an upper waistband206 and two lower leg portions 208, 210 terminating in open ends 230,232. Each lower leg portion 208, 210 is separable from the upper portion204 at respective circumferential lines of detachment 212, 214.

Each lower leg portion 208, 210 further includes lines of separationextending upwardly from a respective one of the open ends 230, 232.These lines of separation, only one of which (224) is visible in FIG. 6,terminate at the circumferential line of detachment, enabling the lowerportions to be removed from the upper portion as separate generallyrectangular panels of material shown in FIG. 6B. The circumferentiallines of detachment are positioned at or above the knees of a wearer,preferably on the order of 3-8inches above the knees. The lines ofseparation are preferably aligned on or near the outer seams, shown at220 with respect to the upper portion 204. An inseam is shown at 22.Though not visible in the Figure, a circumferential band of elasticmaterial is optionally provided at or above each circumferential line ofdetachment to keep the lower edges from riding up following conversioninto shorts.

The various lines of detachment and separation may be implemented usingany appropriate mechanism, including zippers, snaps, or hook & loopfasteners, either continuous or intermittent. In the preferredembodiment, the circumferential lines of detachment use snaps orzippers; whereas the vertical lines of separation are implemented withzippers. When zippers are used for removal purposes, they may operatefrom bottom-to-top or top-down. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, a bottom-upoperation allows the outer sides to be opened partially, for overover-shoe donning or removal. More preferably, however, operation occursfrom top-to-bottom, allowing the user to pull the zipper tab away fromthe top portion 204 without the material bunching or encounteringresistance that might occur through pulling up. In all embodiments, allzipper or snap portions preferably incorporate the flaps of materialshown in FIG. 8. A chamois type pad 236 would cover the groin area,allowing for increased comfort during cycling. The chamois may becomprised of gel or foam or other applicable material.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing a different cycling embodiment,and FIG. 7B shows areas of detachment and separation associatedtherewith. Each lower leg portion is separable from the upper portion atrespective circumferential lines of detachment 312, 314. Each lower legportion in this case includes first and second lines of separation suchas 334 extending upwardly from a respective one of the open ends. Eachfirst line of separation, low located at or near each inseam, extends toa respective one of the circumferential lines of detachment, enablingthe lower portions to be removed from the upper portion as separatepanels of material, as shown in FIG. 7B. While this line of separationmay operate from bottom to top, it is preferably undone fromtop-to-bottom to minimize bunching and expedite removal. Second lines ofseparation, such as 324, extend for 6-8 inches, more or less, andterminate before reaching a respective one of the circumferential linesof detachment. These second lines of detachment, located at or near theouter seams, enable the pants with the lower sections attached to bedonned and removed over one's shoes.

1. Convertible athletic pants for running, cycling and other activities,comprising: an upper portion with a waistband; two leg portions, eachleg portion having an outer side, an inner side, and upper section, anda lower section terminating in an open end above a foot of the wearer; acircumferential line of detachment located generally above each knee ofa wearer, each circumferential line of detachment connecting the upperportion to a respective one of the leg portions; a first line ofseparation located along the inner or outer side of each lower legportion, each first line of separation extending between a respectiveone of the open ends and a circumferential line of detachment, the linesof detachment and separation enabling the leg portions to be removedfrom the upper portion as separate panels of material, with the uppersection retained as a pair of shorts.
 2. The convertible athletic pantsof claim 1, wherein the lines of separation are operated from top tobottom.
 3. The convertible athletic pants of claim 1, wherein the linesof separation are zippers operated from top to bottom.
 4. Theconvertible athletic pants of claim 1, wherein: the first lines ofseparation are located along the inner sides of the leg portions; andfurther including a second line of separation on the outer side of eachleg portion, each second line of separation terminating before reachingthe circumferential line of detachment, enabling the pants with the legsections attached to be donned and removed over one's shoes.
 5. Theconvertible athletic pants of claim 1, wherein the upper portionincludes a back portion with one or more pockets to hold the legportions following removal.
 6. The convertible athletic pants of claim1, wherein the circumferential lines of detachment are implemented withzippers.
 7. The convertible athletic pants of claim 1, wherein thecircumferential lines of detachment are implemented with snaps.
 8. Theconvertible athletic pants of claim 1, wherein the first lines ofseparation are implemented with zippers.
 9. The convertible athleticpants of claim 4, wherein the second lines of separation are implementedwith zippers.
 10. The convertible athletic pants of claim 4, wherein thesecond lines of separation are implemented with snaps.
 11. Theconvertible athletic pants of claim 1, wherein each circumferential lineof detachment and each line of separation is covered with an inner flapof material, an outer flap of material, or both.
 12. The convertibleathletic pants of claim 1, wherein the upper portion and the legportions are intentionally loose-fitting, but for the waistband.
 13. Theconvertible athletic pants of claim 1, wherein: the upper portion andthe leg portions are intentionally tight-fitting; and further includinga padded seat portion for cycling use.
 14. The convertible athleticpants of claim 1, wherein: the upper portion and the leg portions areintentionally tight-fitting; and further including a circumferentialband of elastic material located at or above each circumferential lineof separation.